Silicon Valley Clean Energy released the following to the press on July 14, 2016:
Silicon Valley Clean Energy to provide
100% carbon free electricity at lower rates in 2017
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA: The Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCE), a partnership of 12 local governments, will bring its residents and businesses 100% carbon free electricity at lower costs when it begins operation in 2017. On July 13th, SVCE’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the plan.
“Offering 100% carbon free electricity at lower rates is a game-changer, fulfilling our vision to end reliance on fossil fuels and bring new choice to all of us currently served by a monopoly provider,” said Rod Sinks, chair of the SVCE Board of Directors. “Residents and businesses will continue to receive a single bill and distribution services from PG&E, while getting the dual benefits of less expensive electricity powered by wind, water and solar sources.”
The Board approved recommendations to guide negotiations with power suppliers over the next five years for 100% carbon free electricity at a lower cost than Silicon Valley residents and businesses pay now. Many community advocates were at the Board meeting, speaking in support of this monumental decision. Bruce Karney, President of the community group Carbon Free Mountain View said "Carbon Free Mountain View is very excited by the decision that was made, and we look forward to its implementation.” The initial power supply mix will be comprised of 50% renewable power sources and 50% carbon free large hydroelectric projects, for a total of 100% carbon free electricity. But these power supply parameters are just the beginning; SVCE will also set aside 1% of its revenue to invest in local renewable energy projects and energy programs, further expanding the climate impact of its offerings.
“We are very excited that the SVCE board took this bold and decisive step toward a greener future for Silicon Valley. The board’s action is a declaration that Silicon Valley will lead in mitigating climate change as it does in many other ways,” said Tom Habashi, SVCE CEO.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) was established in March 2016 to provide residents and businesses with a new choice to the traditional utility model: a community controlled power supply that offers electricity from cleaner energy sources at competitive rates, through the creation of a new, nonprofit public agency. SVCE will serve the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Gilroy, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and the unincorporated portions of Santa Clara County starting in April 2017. For more information: www.svcleanenergy.org.
